Hash Brown Casserole: Pan Size Guide

Hashbrown casserole is a popular side dish, often served at holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, and potlucks. The recipe typically includes frozen hash brown potatoes, butter, onions, cream of chicken soup, cheese, and sour cream. It is baked in the oven for around 30-45 minutes and can be made ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

To make 12 lbs of hash brown casserole, you will need a large pan. A standard 9x13-inch baking dish is commonly used for smaller batches of the casserole, but for a larger quantity like 12 lbs, a bigger pan or multiple pans will be necessary. A half-size deep steam table pan, also known as a hotel pan, would be ideal for this amount. It measures 12 3/4 x 10 3/8 inches and has a capacity of 12 quarts, which should be sufficient for your 12 lbs of hash brown casserole.

How much hash brown casserole per person?

Hash brown casserole is a popular side dish for holiday dinners, weeknight dinners, and potlucks. It is a simple and budget-friendly dish that can feed a crowd. The recipe typically involves mixing together frozen hash browns, butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, and seasonings, and then baking the mixture in a casserole dish. It is often referred to as "funeral potatoes" as it is a common dish to take to an after-funeral dinner.

The standard hash brown casserole recipe, which uses a 9x13 baking dish, typically serves 10 people. However, serving sizes can vary depending on the portion size and the number of side dishes served alongside the casserole. As a guideline, it is generally recommended to plan for 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of casserole per person.

If you are serving a large crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe and bake it in a larger pan, such as a 12x18-inch pan for a double recipe or an 18x24-inch pan for a triple recipe.

Can you freeze hash brown casserole?

Yes, you can freeze hash brown casserole for up to three months. It is a convenient method for a quick dinner and is especially useful for weeknight meals or surprise guests. You can freeze the dish either before or after baking it. If you decide to bake it first, do not bake it for the full time to prevent overcooking when you reheat it. For example, if the recipe requires 40 minutes of baking time, pull the casserole out of the oven after 30 minutes and allow it to cool completely before freezing.

To freeze, wrap the casserole dish with freezer wrap or heavy-duty aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn. Write the date on a piece of masking tape and attach it to the casserole dish. The dish can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to serve it, allow the casserole to thaw completely before baking or reheating. You can then bake the casserole according to your recipe or reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown.

What can you serve with hash brown casserole?

Hash brown casserole is a versatile dish that can be served at breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It pairs well with a variety of main courses and can be a delicious addition to any meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with hash brown casserole:

Breakfast and Brunch Ideas:

Hash brown casserole is a popular breakfast and brunch dish and can be served with a variety of other breakfast foods. Here are some ideas:

• Eggs: Scrambled, fried, poached, or boiled eggs make a great partnership with hash browns.
• Bacon: The crisp and salty potatoes pair well with smoky and savory bacon.
• Ham: Sandwich a thick slice of ham between two hash browns for a filling breakfast.
• Breakfast Sandwich: Use English muffins, sausage, and egg, or even hash browns instead of bread, for a hearty breakfast sandwich.
• Croque Madame: Spread a mixture of mayo and Dijon mustard on a hash brown, top with ham and grated cheese, and broil. Then, top with another hash brown and a poached or fried egg.
• Lox: Instead of a bagel, try serving lox on a warm hash brown with sour cream, dill, and red onion.
• Breakfast Burrito: Cut hash browns into bite-sized pieces and add them to your favorite breakfast burrito filling.
• Quesadillas: Combine cheddar cheese and cooked hash browns, sprinkle them over a flour tortilla, add avocado slices, and season with salt and pepper.

Main Course Ideas:

Hash brown casserole can also be served as a side dish alongside a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted Chicken: Hash brown casserole can be a delicious side dish to roasted chicken.
• Pot Roast: Ladle gravy over hash brown casserole for a comforting and hearty meal.
• Pork Tenderloin: The hash brown casserole will complement the pork tenderloin nicely.
• Salmon: For a lighter option, serve the hash brown casserole with salmon.
• Meatloaf: Hash brown casserole and meatloaf is a classic combination.
• Sausage: Smoky and savory sausage pairs well with the crisp and tender hash browns.
• Corned Beef: The rich flavor of corned beef goes well with hash browns.

Other Side Dishes:

To make a complete meal, you can also serve hash brown casserole with other side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Green Salad: Serve hash brown casserole with a bright and fresh green salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add some color and nutrients to your plate by serving hash brown casserole with roasted vegetables.
• Crispy Bacon: The salty and crispy bacon will complement the hash brown casserole.
• Fruits: Sweeten up your brunch or breakfast by serving hash brown casserole with berries, melon, or other fresh fruits.
• Biscuits: Southern-style biscuits can be a tasty addition to hash brown casserole.

Drinks:

To round out your meal, here are some drink ideas to serve with hash brown casserole:

• Coffee: A simple cup of coffee can be a great pairing with hash brown casserole, especially on a chilly morning.
• Hot Chocolate: For a comforting and decadent drink, try hot chocolate with hash brown casserole.

Feel free to experiment and create your own combinations to find your favorite pairings with hash brown casserole!

How long does it take to cook hash brown casserole?

The cooking time for hash brown casserole depends on the recipe and the desired consistency. Most recipes call for baking the casserole in the oven for around 45-50 minutes, but some recipes may require up to 75 minutes of baking time.

Step 1: Preparation

Before cooking, it is important to gather all the ingredients and preheat the oven to the specified temperature, typically around 350°F. The casserole dish should also be prepared by greasing it with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large bowl, mix together the hash brown potatoes, soup, sour cream, cheese, butter, onion, and any desired seasonings. Some recipes may also include crushed cornflakes or crackers as a topping. It is important to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Baking

Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. If using a topping, sprinkle it over the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for the recommended time. For a crispy topping, the casserole can be broiled for a few minutes after baking.

Step 4: Checking for Doneness

The casserole is typically baked until it is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. It is important to keep an eye on the casserole to ensure it does not overcook or burn. The cooking time may vary depending on the oven and the thickness of the casserole, so it is advisable to check it periodically.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

Once the casserole is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Hash brown casserole is best served warm, and it can be paired with various main dishes or enjoyed as a side dish.

Tips for Cooking Hash Brown Casserole:

• It is important to thaw frozen hash brown potatoes before using them in the recipe.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the oven and the desired consistency, so it is advisable to check the casserole periodically to ensure it doesn't overcook.
• Hash brown casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. However, if using a crispy topping, it is best to add it just before baking.
• Leftover hash brown casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.

What can you add to hash brown casserole?

Hash brown casserole is a versatile dish that can be customised with various ingredients to enhance its flavour and texture. Here are some ideas for what you can add to your hash brown casserole:

Meat

You can add some protein to your hash brown casserole by mixing in cooked and shredded meat such as chicken, ham or ground beef. This can be a great way to use up any leftover meat from a previous meal.

Vegetables

If you want to include some extra vegetables in your hash brown casserole, steamed broccoli, peas or frozen mixed veggies work well. You could also add some extra onion for a stronger savoury kick.

Cheese

While most hash brown casserole recipes already include cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite. For example, you could try mild or sharp cheddar, Colby cheese or a combination of different cheeses. You can also add extra cheese on top of the casserole before baking for a crispy, cheesy topping.

Toppings

Speaking of toppings, if you're looking for a crunchy texture, cornflakes are a popular choice. Gently crush the cornflakes and toss them with some melted butter before sprinkling them over the casserole. Alternatively, you could use crushed buttery round crackers (such as Ritz) or potato chips for a similar effect.

Spices

Don't forget to season your hash brown casserole with salt and pepper to taste. You can also experiment with other spices and herbs such as garlic powder and onion powder or parsley to add extra flavour.

Soup

While cream of chicken soup is a common ingredient in hash brown casserole, you can switch it up by using cream of mushroom soup or cream of potato soup instead. This is also a good option if you want to make the dish vegetarian.

Frequently asked questions